Even cricket greats like the legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan have begun to recognise the impact the Indian Premier League (IPL) has had on the sport in India. Muralitharan is well respected as a cricket expert due to his participation in three World Cup finals throughout his career.
Muralitharan, in an interview with ANI that was exclusive to him, emphasised the IPL’s enormous impact on Indian cricket. He praised the IPL as a “fertile breeding ground for cricketing talent,” saying that the IPL was responsible for the “strength and depth” of Indian cricket.
Muttiah Muralitharan highlights The Importance Of IPL For The Indian Cricketers
“It (IPL) has given players something to look forward to. It has given them a lot of money and opportunities. IPL has given a lot of talent to India as well. There are so many talented players. Now, like the IPL, many leagues like the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) have started. Players from here get selected to play IPL as well. Indian cricket is in good shape because of IPL,” Muralitharan said.
Muralitharan, a native of Kandy, offered some insightful commentary on the forthcoming ODI World Cup in 2023. He noted that the Indian team would benefit greatly from playing in front of their home fans, who would cheer them on at every game. On the other hand, he saw that the competition from Australia, England, and Pakistan was quite strong and that they were all serious title candidates.
“In this World Cup, the advantage is more to India and the reason is that it is a very good side. Then they have a home advantage; billion people positive waves, wherever you go you see Indian crowd and it gives a boost to the players….I think they are the biggest favorite and then Australia will be a favorite, England will be a favourite and Pakistan can also be a favourite. Four favorites, I am picking,” the 51-year-old added.
Muralitharan also pointed out how luck may play a huge role in the outcomes of important competitions, using England’s World Cup win as an example. He emphasised the role of fortune in achieving success on the world stage, saying that New Zealand would have won the championship if not for a stroke of luck. “You have to have luck, it is important. England won the last World Cup out of luck or New Zealand would have won that World Cup,” he concluded.
The cricketing world is counting down the days until the ODI World Cup in 2023, and Muralitharan’s thoughts are timely and instructive. The competition promises to be a fascinating spectacle, with ability, strategy, and a touch of chance all coming into play to select the final victor despite India’s home advantage and a plethora of talent cultivated via the IPL.
